Austria, of course, is beautiful in the summer, but in winter it is its picturesque landscapes, historic towns and villages particularly impressive look. Austrian edition of The Local presented its rating winter destinations ─ from the ski resorts of the Alps to the corners of the traditional Austrian hospitality and comfort.
Hallstatt ─ tiny lakeside village and the object of the List of World Heritage by UNESCO, located in the historical region of Salzkammergut. The place looks even more amazing when the neighboring mountain of Salzburg is covered with snow. Hallstatt is often recognized as the most beautiful village in the world. Today, there are about a thousand inhabitants, but Hallstatt age thousands of years – from the ancient times is developing the salt mines.
The historic town of Innsbruck in the Tyrol is reborn in the winter, thanks to its Christmas markets, magical lights, traditional food and drinks. Do not miss the chance to ride on a cable car, climb to an altitude of 2200 meters, with a wonderful panoramic view of the city. cableway stations were designed by the architect Zaha Hadid, who also designed the Bergisel ski jump.
Bad Gastein ─ ski and spa resort, popular with all lovers of winter sports, ─ families with children, tourists, fans of hiking and climbing-athletes. The city is located in the mountains of Hohe Tauern to the south of Salzburg. The resort is famous for hotels and villas, built during the “belle epoque” on the steep wooded slopes. Around Gastein are four broad areas for winter sports. Here you can also relax in the hot springs.
Alpbach ─ as if descended from pictures Tyrolean village located on a sunny plateau at an altitude of 1000 meters, offering breathtaking views of the mountains. Alpbach has been voted the most beautiful village in Austria, and it’s hard to argue, looking at the wooden huts and lovely floral decorations. This is an ideal resort for winter sports. There are three lifts that take you to the largest ski resort in Tyrol Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau. Also, you will be able to ride on the perfect slopes and surrounded by spectacular scenery and a walk along the unexplored snowy slopes. For tourists – sledding and paragliding.
Although a lot of people on the streets of old Salzburg, the city is also charming in the winter, especially if it is snowing. Shops beautifully decorated for Christmas. Be sure to drink a mug of mulled wine and a snack traditional gingerbread Lebkuchen. It should start with the development of Salzburg the best ski slopes in Austria, located in the south of the land of the same name. Here you can also go snowboarding, dog sledding, skiing or skating ─ in Salzburg like winter sports.
St. Anton am Arlberg ─ village in the Tyrolean Alps, known as “the gateway to the ski paradise” – the Arlberg region, which is often called “the cradle of skiing” for his role in the development of this sport. Lifts and cable cars allow to conquer the top of Valluga and the Rendl. mountain trails network begins in the streets, where you can relax after skiing.
Feldkirch in Vorarlberg – it is a well-preserved medieval city, which borders with Liechtenstein and Switzerland, located not far from Lake Constance and the German Bavaria. The towering mountains around its impressive views. A good place to stop and enjoy traditional Austrian dishes, and then go on a ski trip to the mountains.
Wörthersee in a particularly cold winter turns into an open-air ice rink in the largest Carinthia. Lakeside area good for sledding, skiing and curling activities. Also, take the opportunity and visit the magical Christmas markets and taste local specialties. A special bus you can get to the two famous fairs: Pörtschach and Velden. From the lake can be reached in fifteen minutes by car to the ski area Gerlitz Alps, where you can perfectly relax with the whole family.
Kartitsch popular ski resort lies at an altitude of 1356 meters in the Gailtal Valley is surrounded by hills Lienz Dolomites. Be sure to visit the ice cave Obstanser Eishöhle and use the chance to go down to a depth of 100 meters. Winter sports fans will enjoy how easy slopes for beginners and challenging slopes for experienced skiers at an altitude of 1820 meters.
Bad Blumau – luxury spa hotel in Styria, which was designed by the famous architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Especially noteworthy its colorful, like a patchwork quilt, a green roof and facade, as well as the complete absence of straight lines. The hotel is reminiscent of the city with a variety of areas. The hotel spa complex ─ it is the center, and around it are located the rooms and restaurants.
